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Chicago’s street food temple, specializing in hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches, wanted to honor the appointment of the new Pope Leo XIV as it did best: with a sacred Italian beef sandwich. Portillo’s creation is titled “The Leo”, and would be launched shortly after it was announced that Cardinal Robert Prevost had been elected 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
“In the name of sauce, bun and hot bell pepper, we present Leo: a divinely seasoned Italian beef, baptized in sauce and finished with the holy trinity of peppers: sweet, hot or a combination,” the restaurant chain announced Friday, May 9, via a press release. To which they added: And they added: “It’s our original sacred sandwich, bold, unapologetically flavorful, and made in honor of a historic moment for Portillo’s hometown.”
The Leon XIV sandwich is currently available on the menus of all its establishments, including its online portal, for about US$8.29. However, those interested should note that it will only be available on the menu for a limited time.
“This heavenly creation is available for the month of May (Italian Beef Month),” Portillo’s said, according to the release, adding that the Leo ”channels the passion, flavor and pride Chicagoans are known for – down to the last juicy bite.”
